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Monthly Archives: May 2012

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By now, you’re hopefully aware that this coming Sunday is Mother’s Day, so I thought it would be appropriate to feature my lovely mother, Christie Bates. She is an incredible woman, and has taught me so much, and been so incredibly supportive of all of my creative endeavors- from learning to draw pointy elbows in art class, to a bookmark business in 2nd grade, to fiddle lessons, to allowing me to live with her while I work part-time and record an album. I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am for the gift of such supportive parents.

My mom is an incredibly intuitive, compassionate, brilliant, hilarious, loving human being. She has always known how I’m doing before I’m even aware of it, and has validated my experiences throughout life. I grew up hearing her sing- her low, warm, beautiful voice- and reading her poetry, and her writing, and so much more. I actually am feeling really overwhelmed by trying to write this, because there is so much ground I want to cover. SO. I will wrap up my mushy rambling, and direct you to the link to buy her first published book- Accepting Your Resurection and also to her blog.

I hope to record a project with both her and my sister. I just want everyone I know to have the pleasure of hearing her sing, and reading her poetry, and be in her presence!

I met Graham first at Cafe Coco (see- I told you, I meet everyone there!!) show, shortly after he had moved to town. He offered to play drums for me if I ever needed it, and we traded info but neither one of us followed up, as it usually goes. Fast forward about 8 months, and we re-meet through my friend Cori LeCain, and we all started hanging out all the time. A few months later, Graham started playing with our band The Means, which consisted of Cori LeCain, Ben Ewen, and myself. Graham started to really encourage me about playing my own music, and over time decided to make a record with me! So what I’m getting at here is that Graham is the reason I’m about to have an EP to release.

Graham is not only one of the greatest friends a person could ask for- so giving and encouraging and hilarious- but he is a brilliant musician. One of the best drummers I’ve ever seen, a great songwriter, and a great producer. He has the gift of really being able to see a song in a full, fleshed out way, a gift that i hope to see used more and more with many other people… like Ben Ewen??!! eh? Anyway. He’s toured with a handful of artists- Andrew Belle, and currently Canon Blue to name a couple. I feel so fortunate to have this guy as a friend and on my team musically. I’ve learned so much from him already, and I can’t wait to learn more and continue working with him.